The Abandonment of the Pilum for the Hasta - Why ?

[Robert Vermaat]

Vortigern Studies wrote:

The old helmet (Niedermörmter) on the other hand was already in disrepute (because it was too large and encumbering) even before Septimus Severus attacked Persia, which we know from Julius Africanus.

Can I second Florian's request for more details on that?

Sure,it's from Roman Frontier Studies 1995: Why the Romans can't defeat the Parthians: Julius Africanus and the strategy of magic (E L Wheeler), pp. 575-9, which I have i pdf thanks to Ross Cowan.

Julius Africanus seems to have written before Severus' campaign against the Persians in 231. (Not Septimus Severus of course, that was a bad mistake on my part :oops: ). Africanus criticizes Roman helmet, which

offers not enough protection against sling-shots, provide too little room for breathing and vision, and by extending down to the shoulder blades, they restrict the movement of the head. Thus in battle the Roman soldier not only suffers injury from sling-shots, but he cannot see incoming missiles or, if he does, the helmet cutting around his neck inhibits turning the head and dodging the projectiles.

(Cest. fr. 1.1.50-52, 78-80).